Canticles Of The Sky

Futuristic Americana and Inspiration from a European Past

Three generations of engaging Americana are represented in this concert, beginning with Jessie Montgomery's smart and effervescent Starburst which achieves the perfect balance of edginess and accessibility; the slow burning, cinematic majesty of John Luther Adams' Sky with Four Suns from Canticles of the Sky provides an ideal contrast. Aaron Copland's Benny Goodman-inspired masterpiece makes a miraculous journey from doleful introspection to exhilarating jazz party.

Lutenist Jacques Gallot's (1625 - 1695) Pices de luth - presented here in a new arrangement for harp - was part of the source material for Respighi's enchanting The Birds Suite in which he skilfully represents a dove, a hen, a nightingale and a cuckoo. Le Tombeau de Couperin, Ravel's neoclassic homage to friends killed during the First World War also nds him looking to the past for inspiration, here in the form of Franois Couperin.

Jessie Montgomery Starburst John Luther Adams Sky with Four Suns from Canticles of the Sky Copland Clarinet Concerto Gallot Pieces de Luth Suite Respighi The Birds Suite Ravel Tombeau de Couperin

Conductor/Soloist Michael Collins